Box gutters are a guttering system that collects rainwater to channel it away from your roof and house walls.
An excellent guttering system is a critical addition to a house because it can prevent water from leaking into the house; this can damage your home’s structure, so protecting it with gutters is critical.
Aside from this, there is so much more to box gutters. Our guide will examine their significance, components, benefits, and more.
When Did Box Gutters Become Significant?
Modern gutters are far more advanced than the origins of guttering systems in Ancient Rome.
For example, Box Gutters originated in the Middle Ages; they consisted of wood or lead and were more effective at collecting water than a traditional drainage system.
The introduction of box gutters meant that guttering systems could collect and carry more efficiently; they also increased the durability of housing. While modern systems don’t use wood, they still use the base idea behind box gutters: to collect water and carry it efficiently.
What Does a Box Gutter Comprise of?
A box gutter is a rectangular unit that you must embed and integrate with your roof’s structure. You need custom flashings to create the perfect space for a box gutter. Essentially, they direct rainwater far more purposefully than other guttering systems because they collect it and then send it toward downspouts.
You need the central unit, custom flashings and hooks (often made by Bluescope Steel) to have a working box gutter.
What Are the Available Box Gutter Materials?
While all box gutter products have the same purpose, there are multiple available materials; examples of box gutter material include:
- Metal like aluminium and galvanised steel. These are excellent at resisting weather like rain and wind; as a result, they have a longer life than other materials.
- Vinyl and PVC box gutters can resist corrosion and rust effectively; this makes them great for areas with multiple climate changes. They are also one of the cheaper options.
How Do Box Gutters Differ to Other Types?
The most significant difference between box gutters and other gutters is that most gutter products sit on the roof’s edges, whereas you need to enclose a box gutter within the roof’s structure. Installing them this way helps to protect them from weather and debris.
Their seamless integration makes them look more visually appealing on the roof.
Box gutters are also better for areas with high rainfall because they can handle a higher water capacity.
What Are the Main Purposes and Benefits of Box Gutters?
While having any guttering system can give your roof more durability and longevity, box gutters provide multiple benefits that make them one of the most effective options.
Here are the most significant purposes and benefits of box gutters.
They Are Excellent for Managing Water
Instead of just channelling rainwater on the roof, a box gutter can collect it. Doing this can efficiently direct more water down the length of the guttering towards the downspouts. Collecting water prevents it from pooling on the roof and damaging the structure.
The design of a box gutter is optimal for handling heavy rainfall; a smaller guttering system may overflow and damage the walls and ceiling of the building.
They Protect the Building’s Structure
If water drops onto the soil directly adjacent to your house’s foundation, it can begin to erode it. Box gutters can combat this by collecting the water, stopping it from trickling down the walls.
Additionally, box gutters can protect the roof’s structure by controlling the water flow.
They Look More Visually Appealing on the Roof
Because you need to integrate a box gutter with custom flashings, they look much more seamless on the roof’s edge than a protruding guttering system. Therefore, even if your architectural roof design clashes with the gutter, your roof will still have excellent aesthetics.
Additionally, you can customise box gutters in various ways, including design, colours and more. Doing this means that you can find a box gutter design that can fit your roof’s aesthetic.
They Require Less Maintenance than Other Gutter Types
If you install them correctly, box gutters require fewer inspections and maintenance; you should hire a professional if you don’t have enough experience.
Despite this, the more you maintain your box gutter, the longer it will last.
Considerations Before Installing a Box Gutter
Before installing a box gutter that suits your roof, you must make several considerations, including:
- The design and slope of your roof. You need to place a box gutter at the optimal point so it can catch water from the slope.
- The gutter material: you can decide the best material by assessing the climate in your area.
- Consider how high-maintenance you want the gutter to be; some designs need more maintenance.
Should You Install Box Gutters Yourself or Hire a Professional?
Now you know what box gutter you need, you can order it and start installing it. However, should you do it yourself or hire a roofing specialist?
When you hire a roofing specialist, they will install the gutter efficiently and precisely, ensuring they don’t cause more problems during the process.
Additionally, installing box gutters is a challenging process that requires specific tools. If you do it yourself, you may spend more on new tools than you would on a specialist installation.
How Much Does a Box Gutter Cost?
The amount that box gutters cost depends on the type and size.
On top of the gutter cost is the installation price, which varies depending on the difficulty level of the installation and your roof’s design. The installation will be a significant up-front cost, which may make you think that it’s cheaper to install the gutter yourself.
However, if you pay for a roofing specialist to install the gutter, they will ensure that it functions properly and has no faults, so you won’t need to arrange gutter repairs as often.
If the installer does an excellent job, you will save money in the long term because the gutter will be more durable and efficient.
How Do You Maintain a Box Gutter?
Once you have a gutter installed, you must maintain it so it can divert water away from the house efficiently. Here are our tips for maintaining box gutters:
- Clean the gutters regularly by removing debris that blocks the pipe; tree leaves and branches are the most common debris to watch out for. Plan these at regular intervals to avoid a buildup of debris.
- Inspect the gutter to find damage before it becomes a more significant problem. Check for cracks and holes in the guttering system, rust and signs of wear and tear.
- If you find any minor damage on the gutters, seal the gaps or replace parts quickly.
- Install gutter guards to stop debris from accumulating in the gutter.
Final Thoughts on Why You Should Use a Box Gutter
Installing box gutters can be necessary if you live in an area with more rainfall. They are effective at collecting rainwater and safely directing it away from the vulnerable parts of the house, like the roof and walls.
Remember to make every essential consideration before hiring a roofing specialist to install the gutter. If you want to install it, ensure you have the proper tools and experience; you will cause more problems if you don’t know how to install the gutter correctly.
Protecting your roof is an essential task; we have much more roofing advice on our blog on Evo Building Products.